BC Apprentices Turn Heads at Competitions Across Canada

Last fall, 22 apprentices of the SMWIA Local 280 and SMACNA-BC contractors gathered at the Sheet Metal Workers’ (SMWTC) Training Centre to compete in the SMWTC’s Annual Apprentice Contest.

Building on years of being one of the largest sheet metal competitions in North America, 2016 continued the legacy. Apprentices competing for 13 different contractors in four levels of shop (project and welding), theory, and drafting over eight hours made for a remarkable day in sheet metal.

From an assembly of a simple run of duct in Level 1, which maxed out its capacity of 10 competitors, to fabricating a copper bucket in Level 4, the shop portions of the contest drew most of the spectators, but all four portions of the contest counted equally. This made for some close races depending on different individual strengths.

The theory portions were done through an online test with Larry Lawrence of the iTi present to continue developing theory exams for upcoming regional contests. Daryl Garrison and Dan McCallum of the iTi were also on hand to proctor and hand out the prizes from over 20 sponsors totalling over $7,000.

Noteworthy prizes from Steetz (a tool package worth $800) and Crosstown (a pair of hockey tickets in the $500 range) made the lottery style draw for participants a highlight ending to a successful day. From the staff and trustees of the sheet metal industry board: congratulations to all who competed and thanks to the many sponsors.

All participants competed well and the top finishers are listed below. Of note, Matt McCarty representing the SMWTC placed third and then went on to the BC Skills competition where he won silver. Congratulations to the BC Skills team and those who will go on to compete in the Skills Canada competition in Winnipeg in late May – early June.

Matt Hamm, Level 4 SMWTC competition winner will be heading to Ottawa at the end of June – early July to represent SMACNA contractors and Local 280 at the Canadian Conference Competition. We wish Matt all the best in Ottawa.

Thanks to all the apprentices for participating in 2016 SMWTC annual apprentice contest: